I am certainly not Japanese. I do not follow or practice any Japanese religions either. I do practice Aikido though (a lot). I believe I fall closer to the Christian tree in my religious beliefs and I do not believe I'm missing anything in my practice due to being Christian.

After all, is it not part of the "grand scheme" of Aikido to be shared and internalized by anyone/everyone in the world? Do you not believe this was considered by the founder? To think otherwise would surely be selling him short!

Seeking peace and alternatives to conflict is not restricted to any particular religion. It does however, speak very well of your spirit!